Monday, 17 March 2014

Essential Support

Support. Faith. Belief.
Backing your team.

Let’s face it, losing sucks. A lot.
It’s hard watching your team lose a game and harder so to watch a continuation of losses. Ultimately, what can you do? Not much. One thing you can do is support your team- through thick and thin.

How easy is it to support your team after a loss though? Especially after one with errors, poor defence or weak attack- a game where the opposition entirely deserved to win? It can be harder than tying your shoelaces in the dark one handed. Stomping grumpily around the house and glaring at every unfortunate soul who walks by become inevitable.

As it goes: you are only as strong as your weakest link. Teams that lose feel pressure. Individuals within the team feel pressure. Supporting your team; becoming a member, attending away games as well as home games, cheering them on and screaming your faith til your throat is sore… This is encouragement. Encouragement gives players reassurance, inspiration and that much needed boost to push them over the try line.

 
A remarkable example of the positives of supporting your team comes from the mighty Wests Tigers, who, tipped as contenders for the 2014 wooden spoon, clawed their way to a breathtaking 42-12 win on Sunday. Playing in a sweltering +30°C at Cbus Super Stadium, the Gold Coast Titans began as the favorites to win at $1.20, while the Tigers were against at $3.50 (www.sportsbet.com.au). Rebelling against the expectations of another loss, the Tigers pounced early into action, scoring the first try of the game within an impressive 3 and a half minutes. By increasing pressure and therefore forcing errors, sending multiple bombs and grubbers and charging through the thin defence of the opposition- as if they were nothing more than bowling pins- the team continued to dominate the game. The visiting team left the sunny Gold Coast as winners, with the 2 well earned points sending them into the top 8 and a dominating statement that Tigers will not give up this season.


Supporters are the ones who reap the rewards.
They are the ones who are congratulated and thanked whole-heartedly.

No matter how your team plays, support them.
Suit up, paint up, have faith and scream your heart out.
You're the difference.

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